In the modern age, global food security is under a significant amount of threat due to an aging population, limited agriculture, and the threat of climate change. As a consequence, a suitable agricultural policy framework for food security that is both economically and environmentally sustainable must be devised.
That said, soy—the “king of beans”— has been involved in several requirements, which further moves it into the category of a high-demand food worldwide. On the other hand, soy is a worldwide traded commodity grown in temperate and tropical climates and is an essential source of protein and vegetable oils.
What has led to soy demand?
Soy is present in every aspect of our lives. Moreover, they are consumed in the form of soybean oil and meal and used to make tofu, soy sauce, and meat replacements. We, humans, consume a substantial quantity of soybean meal indirectly through our meat and dairy because it is commonly used as animal feed.
Speaking of which, the superfood is also used to produce oil, accounting for around 27% of global vegetable oil production. While table oil is the most common oil-based type, soy is increasingly being used in biodiesel production.
In order to understand the subject further, let’s go through a rundown of how farming strategies can play a pivotal role in ensuring a greener future.
Soy farming strategies To Ensure A Greener Future
- Crop Rotation
Using a diverse crop rotation system can help to reduce soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and the growth of pests and diseases. To maintain soil health and reduce the need for chemical inputs, soybeans can be rotated with other crops such as corn, wheat, or cover crops. All this is part of sustainable farming methods.
- Precision Agriculture
Farmers may optimize fertilizer and pesticide applications by using current technologies such as GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics. This reduces waste and has a positive environmental impact. Precision agriculture allows for focused treatments as well as resource management.
- Conservation Tillage
Measures such as no-till or reduced tillage help to maintain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon in the soil. By reducing soil disturbance, conservation tillage improves soil health and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM tactics reduce reliance on chemical pesticides by using biological controls, crop monitoring, and cultural practices. This technique encourages natural pest predators, reduces chemical exposure, and keeps pests and beneficial creatures in balance.
- Water Management
Using efficient irrigation technologies like drip irrigation or precision sprinklers saves water and reduces the danger of contamination. Water monitoring systems can aid in the optimization of water usage, the reduction of waste, and the preservation of water supplies.
- Responsible Sourcing
Ensuring that soybean production adheres to sustainable sourcing practices would aid in the reduction of deforestation and land conversion. Supporting certified sustainable soy production and boosting supply chain transparency can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Investing in R&D to improve soybean varieties for increased yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance may reduce the need for pesticide inputs and improve overall crop resilience in changing environmental conditions.
- Soil Sampling
Regular and thorough soil sampling is the greatest strategy to eliminate uncertainty about soil fertility and should be included in every management plan. Soil sampling is a reasonably inexpensive investment that can help you make judgments about adding pricey nutrients. It costs only a few dollars per acre (or is free if you submit your samples by today).
Types of commonly used Soy products
Soybeans are high-protein plant food that may be prepared and consumed in a variety of ways. They are from the Pea family.
Soybeans come in a numerous colors, including:
- Green Soybeans
Often known as edamame are young green soybeans. People can steam them and consume them as an appetizer right out of the pod. Shelled edamame can be found in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
- Yellow Soybeans
Yellow soybeans are commonly used in the production of soy milk, tamari, tofu, and tempeh. Moreover, They also contribute to the manufacture of soy flour for baking.
- Black Soybeans
In traditional Asian dishes, black soybeans are boiled or fermented. For individuals wishing to replace dairy in their diet, soy milk and cheese are also possibilities. Soybeans also supply soy oil, which can be used in cooking or as an ingredient. After extracting the oil from soybeans, the residual material can be used to manufacture feed for farm animals and pets.
Soy is used by certain producers to make protein powder and isoflavone supplements. Isoflavones are plant chemicals with a structure similar to estrogen.
Organic soy that has been minimally processed is the healthiest option. Here are a few examples:
- Soybeans cooked
- Edamame
- Soy milk,
- Tempeh
- Soy nuts
The Verdict
The long-term viability of soy cultivation is crucial for a greener future. Crop rotation, precision farming, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, management of water, ethical purchasing, improvement of genetics, and soil health management are merely a few of the strategies farmers may utilize to minimize environmental impacts, conserve resources, and boost overall productivity.
These remedies not only maintain the long-term profitability of soy farming, but they also address broader environmental issues such as erosion of soil, shortages of water, deforestation, and global warming. By adopting sustainable practices, stakeholders in the soy business may assist in ensuring the supply of this vital commodity while also preserving the planet’s ecosystems for future generations.
